daily prompt

Holiday Plans

How do you celebrate holidays?

We have two children in separate cities so we usually spend a couple of days with each. Sometimes we plan a dinner with our siblings around the holidays. Since our families are lifelong friends, it’s common for both sides to visit. The host usually sets the menu and everyone brings sides and desserts. It’s a loud, happy group. It’s good to see them come then good to see them go.

The Cat and the Gingerbread Men

Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail.

My son engineered The Gingerbread Man Disaster. In the days leading up to Christmas, my son decided he wanted to take gingerbread men to his homeroom class, so the evening before, we made and decorated two big trays of gingerbread men. They were very cute and aromatic. We’d done well. We left them on the counter with the intention off packing them up later.

Before long, I heard John yelling at the cat. When I got to the kitchen, John was studying his gingerbread men. “That darn cat was sitting on my cookies hut they’re okay. I can still take them.” Sure enough, the hair sticking to the cookies convicted the cat.

“You can’t take cookies the cat got on. There will be germs from the cat box. Throw them away.” I left him protesting. The next time I came through, the gingerbread men were gone. I was surprised he gave up so easily.

That evening he was in high spirits. “The kids loved the gingerbread men.” He said gleefully.

“Oh no! I told you to throw them away!” I returned.

“ I know but I got the hairdryer and blew the hair off. I passed them around in home room. After the kids started eating, I told them about the cat. Some of the girls were grossed out, especially when a girl found cat hair on hers!”

What’s Important!

Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

Wouldn’t it be a gift to be born knowing the opinion of one’s peers mattered little? So much of the angst of learning your way would be relieved. Often, a person wastes that time unlearning the basic rules learned as a child. Kindness, empathy, and decency may be discarded in pursuit of fun, friendship, and ambition. It’s good to mature and be authentic.

Favorite Foods

What are your favorite types of foods?

I love comfort foods. My favorite meal is home fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, small green lima beans and corn cooked together, and biscuits. Since I know it’s bad for me, I only cook that meal on special occasions. I also like brisket, marinated till tender, cooked at about 340 degrees till it’s fork tender. I suppose my favorite foods are home cooke. We rarely eat out since my cooking is to our taste.

Leader?

Do you see yourself as a leader?

There is no need for me to be a leader anymore. I am retired. I am part of a two person team. We are both in charge.

Plethora

What’s your favorite word?

Plethora is a lovely word. I am delighted when I can work it into a conversation. It can be a bit of a challenge. Here are a few examples.

Grandma has a plethora of recipes to turn to.

The stray dogs have a plethora of garbage cans to raid.
LOL

I have a plethora of unpleasant tasks to choose from on this rainy day.

The rooster has a plethora of lovely hens in his harem.

As always, I have a plethora of unstylish clothes to choose from.

I could go on with a plethora of choices.

Evening Plans.

What are you doing this evening?

This evening, as all evening will be simpleI am seventy-three, my husband seventy-five. We will have dinner at home, read or watch television, and be in bed by ten. I can never predict whether Sleep will come, so I may get up and write. I am not a television fan, so I never turn it on. We lead a very predictable life.

Jackie Robinson

Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why.

I respect Jackie Robinson for breaking the color barrier in professional baseball. His drive and courage had to be tremendous to brave the difficulties he faced. He changed things for all of us who are different in any way. He was not just a baseball player, he opened doors for all who face challenges. Thank you, Mr. Robinson

Crocheting

How do you relax?

Crocheting relaxes me. I always have a project or two in a basket next to my chair. My mind totally clears as I work along. I have a crocheted basket full of afghans for chilly guests. I give away many of my creations. Someone always wants a sweater, bag, afghan or pair of socks. Right now, I am working on a bag.

I really love the hummingbird colors in this oversized shopping bag. It would fit well under a plane seat.

This ruby afghan is heavenly soft.

This is my current project. I just have to complete straps. I will finish it today.

My little dog likes to cuddle while I crochet. He is particularly partial to natural yarns, often trying to snitch a ball for himself. Natural yarns must retain an enticing scent.